Saturday, February 22, 2025

Tag: Department of the Interior and Local Government

PNP-10 deploys 13,414 checkpoints as COMELEC rallies government support

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025) — As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO)-10 has deployed 13,414 checkpoints across northern Mindanao to ensure a secure and orderly election period. This extensive operation is part of a coordinated effort with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10, which has mobilized various government agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

“The Police Regional Office-10 conducted threat and risk assessments for COMELEC officials to ensure their security during the 2025 election period and prevent violence targeting election officers. Out of 99 election officers in Region 10, 96 were assessed as having no threat, including the Regional Elections Director,” said PCol. Reynante Reyes, chief of the Regional Operations Division.
He added that PNP-10 has also conducted a one-day checkpoint seminar to train personnel on proper procedures for election-related checkpoints, focusing on gun bans, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination.
“To enhance security, our Police Regional Office implemented fragmented and overlapping checkpoints, making it difficult for individuals with illicit intentions to predict locations or times. These unpredictable tactics discourage dangerous and unlawful activities, encouraging stricter adherence to election laws,” Reyes said.
At the checkpoints, PNP-10 confiscated 28 firearms, 25 small arms, three light weapons, other ammunition, and arrested 29 violators. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, local traffic management units, the Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office.
He also noted that the crime environment in Region 10 has seen significant improvements, with a 37.31 percent drop in index crimes and a 10.34 percent reduction in non-index crimes compared to previous years. Reyes attributed these achievements to aggressive law enforcement, community engagement, and strategic interventions targeting high-risk areas such as Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City.

COMELEC’s call for a whole-of-nation approach
Misamis Occidental Election Officer Lawyer Rowell Valledor emphasized the importance of a whole-nation approach to election security. He stated that COMELEC directives take precedence over other government orders, particularly regarding personnel movements, to ensure fair and transparent operations.
Valledor also highlighted the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace, enforcing the gun ban, and preventing armed individuals from approaching polling centers. “There is an absolute prohibition within a 50-meter radius of the polling place. Both state and non-state armed actors, whether affiliated with the government or not, are prohibited from being within this radius,” he explained.
To curb election-related offenses, Valledor mentioned that COMELEC has partnered with the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. These agencies will closely monitor threats, vote-buying, and misinformation campaigns related to the elections.
The PNP and NBI cybersecurity units have established a special online campaign monitoring committee to combat false information related to the elections. “At least there is this new committee because many of us are spending time at home or online, and the information we receive may not be accurate. This committee will regulate misinformation and hold accountable those who unfairly campaign during the upcoming elections,” Valledor said.
As the May 12, 2025 elections approach, government agencies are continuing to collaborate to uphold democracy. Valledor compared this collective effort to NASA’s historic moon landing mission, emphasizing that every individual—from security forces to election officers—plays a vital role in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA-10)

Northern Mindanao RDC members, solons review FY 2026 regional budget proposals

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Northern Mindanao Congresspersons scrutinized the proposed regional budget of P416.04 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The proposal includes 46 agency regional offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, and 11 state universities and colleges.
During the Joint RDC-X Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting on February 6, 2025, at the Chali Resort and Conference Center, the proposed budgets were endorsed to the agency central offices (ACOs) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for inclusion in the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program, subject to modifications requested by the congresspersons and RDC-X members.
The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector holds the largest share of the regional budget proposal at P224.69 billion (54%), with 95.05 percent allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways-X for national road and flood control projects.
The Social Development Sector follows with P146.59 billion (35.20%), of which 45 percent is designated for the Department of Education-X to enhance basic education services and improve lifelong learning.
The Economic Development Sector has a proposed budget of P38.72 billion (9.31%), with 84.27 percent primarily allocated for farm-to-market road projects under the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10.
Lastly, the Macro and Development Administration Sector proposes P6.03 billion (1.45%) for various catalytic infrastructure projects, including police stations and army camp development.
The final budget proposals, incorporating the comments, recommendations, and requested augmentations from congresspersons and RDC-X members, will be submitted—along with the RDC-X endorsement—to the relevant ACOs and the DBM in March 2025.
“These budget proposals are more than just numbers; they reflect our priorities, the needs of our communities, and our collective vision for Northern Mindanao’s growth and progress,” said Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, RDC-X Chairperson and Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor.
The regional budget preparation process began with the Regional Budget Forum on January 8, 2025, followed by handholding activities, stakeholder consultations, and sectoral committee meetings, concluding on February 4, 2025.
“We are fortunate to have with us the esteemed members of our Advisory Committee, particularly our Region X Congresspersons, who play a crucial role in ensuring that the budget proposals we endorse today are effectively advocated in Congress and eventually in the Senate,” added Dimaporo.
The meeting was co-convened by Rufus B. Rodriguez, Representative of Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd Congressional District.
The FY 2026 budget proposal represents a 321 percent increase compared to the FY 2025 GAA-approved budget, highlighting the region’s intensified funding needs for social, macro administration, economic, and infrastructure development priorities. (NEDA-X/PIA-10)

NorMin 2023: New chapters, calls for justice

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Northern Mindanao will always have a story to tell every year. In 2023, the region did not disappoint, bringing in a considerable amount of national attention

In particular, Misamis Occidental province had more of that this year.

The aftermath of the December 2022 shear line floods compelled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to visit the province and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental as well, in early January.

Marcos’ meetings with regional and local officials with Cabinet members have created long-term policies, especially in adding disaster-resilient infrastructure projects and social welfare programs.

Since then, the provincial government has rolled out cash assistance in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for flood-affected residents.

Crime, deaths

Misamis Occidental also brought stories that call for justice – one being the death of community broadcaster Juan Jumalon, who was killed while livestreaming inside his house in Calamba town on Nov. 5.

His death prompted a series of condemnations from media groups, public officials, and even Marcos himself.

Suspects were identified, and murder charges were filed.

The incident led Gov. Henry Oaminal to direct the provincial police and the Police Regional Office (PRO-10) to arrest the culprits and revisit the investigation of other assassination attempts.

These included the Oct. 15 blast in Clarin which hit his convoy; the Oct. 23 shooting of Calamba Municipal engineer Jopson Baones; and Oct. 28 grenade-throwing incident at the house of Calamba Mayor Luisito Villanueva.

Almost a month after Jumalon’s murder, the province will again mourn the death of Riza Ramos Daniel, 49, who was killed in a blast inside the Mindanao State University-Main Campus gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 3.

Daniel was the mother of El Dritz, who was also injured in the blast, both of Tangub City. El Dritz was a third-year Computer Studies student at MSU-Main. Daniel decided to work in Marawi City to be closer to her son.

MSU-Marawi incident

The incident in MSU-Main brought the provincial government of Lanao del Sur and the Marawi City government together to coordinate with the police and military.

Within the week, the Islamic State militants claimed the attack, followed by the arrest of suspects Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, who are said to have links with local terrorist group, Dawlah Islamiyah. Both had prior arrest warrants for murder and kidnapping charges.

Other than Daniel, the three other fatalities were students Janine Arenas and Junrey Barbante, and faculty member Evangeline Aromin. The blast also injured some 50 people.

Change of command, anti-insurgency

Meanwhile, this year saw major changes in the region’s military and police leadership.

Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II replaced Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag as the commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) in March. Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug also replaced Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop as PRO-10 director in October.

As soon the two assumed office, they had their hands full in continuing the mandates of the national government in securing the peace and order situation in the region.

The 4ID under Cuerpo continued its operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, and even on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, troops under the 403rd Infantry Brigade killed 10 rebels in Bukidnon.

Cuerpo said the Army has maintained its position of allowing NPA rebels to surrender or face a military operation, wherever they may be in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

PRO-10 also accepted rebel surrenderers who brought in firearms and ammunition. Those who surrendered were assisted in the programs of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

On anti-drugs, Layug said the police has continued its anti-illegal drug campaign with a series of buy-busts in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

With the introduction of “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PRO-10 followed suit in promoting a holistic approach to addressing illegal drug issues.

Village polls

Layug and Cuerpo would again have their hands full in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) that were finally held on Oct. 30 after several years of delay.

Police and military troops were deployed to keep the peace.

While reports of vote buying by the local chapter of the National Citizens; Movement for Free Elections, and tensions among supporters in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, both PRO-10 and 4ID reported a “generally peaceful” BSKE.

On election gun ban operations, PRO-10 reported that from August 28 to October 30, a total of 77 operations were launched that resulted in the arrest of 90 persons, confiscation of 55 firearms, 41 deadly weapons, 367 rounds of ammunition, and an explosive.

But in Lanao del Sur province, which is part of the Bangsamoro Region, the BSKE was marred with heated confrontations among political supporters, voting delays in precincts, and occasional violence that led to a death in the town of Butig.

Rice, economy

The limited rice supply and increase in its prices prompted the national government to issue Executive Order 39, which put a ceiling on prices and provided assistance to affected farmers and small-scale retailers.

Bukidnon province, the region’s food basket, was also affected by drought that some had attributed to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon being experienced in the country.

However, according to the Department of Agriculture, the lean months between August and September would be offset by the fresh harvests that came in October.

And so it did, as the Philippine Statistics Authority Region 10 released its monthly inflation reports and regional economic status in the following month, showing a rosy picture of the regional economy. The National Economic and Development Authority-Region 10 forecasts a stable overall economy for 2023.

Based on the 2022 gross regional domestic product, NEDA-10 Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said Northern Mindanao achieved a GRDP of 7.2 percent or PHP935 billion, compared to the 6.3 percent growth in the previous year, which was impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

Anti-drug programs sa Damulog, Malitbog, Maramag giila

Posted on by cmn

Giila ang anti-drugs programs sa mga munisipyo sa Damulog, Malitbog ug Maramag sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) bag-ohay lang

Sumala sa report sa Philippine News Agency, ang Damulog ug Malitbog nalakip sa 16 ka mga local government units sa Rehiyon 10 nga gipasidunggan. Kini gumikan sa ilang pagpatuman sa exemplary performance sa anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Sa panahon sa National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards sa Quezon City, ilang nadawat ang ‘national awardee” status.

Samtang ang Maramag, ang lakip sa laing tulo ka mga Munisipyo sa rehiyon nga gidayeg usab sa DILG. Giila ang ilang dedikasyon ug serbisyo sa paghatag og dekalidad nga Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) alang sa mga tawo nga migamit og drugas. (melbmadera)

City Government of Valencia, Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

The City Government of Valencia has received recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for securing 3rd place in the 2023 Regional Subaybayani

This acknowledgment reflects the LGU’s outstanding performance and adherence to promptly reporting project progress and details through the SubayBAYAN System.
SubayBAYAN is the official online monitoring system of the DILG, providing real-time information on the physical and financial status of Locally Funded Projects (LFPs).
Engr. Rodina Onting, the City Engineer, personally accepted the award on behalf of the City Government on November 9, 2023, at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

SK mandatory training sa Bukidnon nagmalampuson

Posted on by cmn

Malampusong napahigayon ang sunod-sunod nga hugna sa Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Mandatory Training 2023 sa Bukidnon

Base sa pahibalo sa LGU Bukidnon, ang training gipahigayon sa tagsa-tagsang Local Government Units (LGUs) ning Probinsya.

Ang pagbansay gipahigayon niadtong Nobyembre 8-13 ning tuig.

Napahigayon kini pinaagi sa PGO-Provincial Youth Development Office ug Bukidnon League of Local Youth Development Officers.

Ang training alayon sa gipagula nga Memorandum Circular No. 2023-156 sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) niadtong Oktubre 24, 2023.

Nagmando kini sa mga bag-ong napili nga SK Officials ug Local Development Council Members, isip pre-requisite ayha sila molingkod sa ilang mga katungdanan.

Ang mga midaog nga opisyal gitakda nga molingkod sa ilang pwesto karong umaabot Nobyembre 30 sa alas 12:00 sa udto. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

LGU Valencia runs 3rd in Regional Subaybayani 2023

Posted on by cmn

The City Government of Valencia has received recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for securing 3rd place in the 2023 Regional Subaybayani

This acknowledgment reflects the LGU’s outstanding performance and adherence to promptly reporting project progress and details through the SubayBAYAN System.

The SubayBAYAN is the official online monitoring system of the DILG, providing real-time information on the physical and financial status of Locally Funded Projects (LFPs).

Engr. Rodina Onting, the City Engineer, personally accepted the award on behalf of the City Government on November 9, 2023, at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. (LGU Valencia/PR)

BJMP celebrates 32nd year, honors top-performing NorMin bureau

Posted on by cmn

MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)–Serving for over three decades, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-10 celebrated its 32nd anniversary on a high note as the jail management received praises from its highest official for their achievements in the past year

The bureau attributes its growth to the dedication and commitment that the men and women of BJMP-10 displayed throughout the years and the kindness and concern that the community partners had extended.

Aside from that, the bureau never ceases to generate various ways and means to improve the delivery of services to their clientele to the best quality they can give.

Such initiatives bear fruits as BJMP 10 becomes one of the top-performing regions nationwide.

“I am speaking before a team of the most hardworking personnel in the country, who, together with their Regional Director, continue to strive to make BJMP Region 10 among the best-performing regions nationwide. The excellence in how you work in Region 10 has been a large part of the overall performance of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,” BJMP Chief JDIR Ruel S. Rivera said.

BJMP-10 bags several national awards, which include Best Desk Officer of Type-A Jails, Best Paralegal Officer of Type-A Jail, Best Community Relations Service Officer of Type-A Jails, Best Management, Screening and Evaluation Committee Unit of Type-C Jail; Best Escorting Unit Type-C Jail; Best Paralegal Program Implementer; Best ALS Program Implementer; and Best e-Dalaw Program Implementer. In addition to that, Atty. Jeza Mae Sanchez received the National Award as Best Staff Officer of the Year.

The bureau chief also stated that Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government acknowledged BJMP-10’s excellent performance.

With the success and achievements gained, BJMP-10 Regional Director Cesar Langawin disclosed that they went through some challenges and would not have been able to reach them without the men and women of the bureau and the constant support of the various stakeholders and government agencies.

“BJMP-10 is committed to offering humane care, safety, and development. We will consistently work to create a positive influence in the lives of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Furthermore, we ensure that programs for PDLs and their families should be properly implemented, reaching even the remotest jail facilities in the region,” Langawin said. (JAKA/PIA10)

DOT-10 conducts orientation on online accreditation for tourism-related enterprises

Posted on by cmn

On July 14, 2023, the City of Malaybalay, under the leadership of City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and through the City Tourism Office spearheaded by Ms. Honolu Marie C. Cruzin, partnered with the Department of Tourism Region 10 to conduct an orientation for Accreditation

This certification, issued by the Department, officially recognizes tourism enterprises that have complied with the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services under RA 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009.

RA 9593 Section 14 c) mandates the enforcement of Mandatory Accreditation for primary tourism enterprises and voluntary accreditation for secondary tourism enterprises, in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards. Section 14 d) aims to establish a system of registration, information, linkage, and mutual assistance among accredited tourism enterprises to enhance the value of accreditation and improve the quality of service rendered by such enterprises.

According to RA 9593 Section 17 a), Regional Offices are responsible for implementing laws, policies, plans, programs, rules, and regulations of the Department, particularly those relating to compliance and the accreditation of tourism enterprises promulgated by the Department.

In line with this, Memorandum Circular 2019-17 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterates the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009. The circular indicates that primary tourism enterprises, including hotels, resorts, inns, and other accommodation establishments, are required to secure accreditation from the DOT to obtain a license or permit to operate.

Mr. Ariel Gabriel Estrada, the Standards and Accreditations Officer of DOT-10, facilitated the orientation and highlighted the benefits and importance of Accreditation by DOT to the participants. In the afternoon session, he assisted the participants in submitting their requirements for the Online Accreditation Application.

The newly introduced Online Accreditation System offers a contactless transaction and hazard-free government service, aiming to expedite accreditation requests from local tourism establishments.

Through this streamlined system, local businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which collectively form the backbone of the tourism industry, will experience improved ease of doing business.

The orientation was well-attended, with a total of 80 participants. Councilor Royland M. Orquia, Committee Chairman on Tourism, warmly welcomed and expressed gratitude to everyone present during the orientation. (LGU Malaybalay)

P28.5M SBDP, FALGU projects turned-over to Cabanglasan residents

Posted on by cmn

CABANGLASAN, Bukidnon – Residents of Barangays Canangaan, Mandahican, and Mandaing are already enjoying the P28.5 million worth of infrastructure projects funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU), after the conduct of simultaneous turnover ceremonies on May 4, 2023, in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon

These infrastructure projects are four (4) water supply systems, three (3) health stations, and three (3) farm-to-market roads, which are priority projects identified by the barangay residents, during the conduct of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their localities.

In his testimonial message, Punong Barangay Ermin A. Tampus expressed his gratitude to the national government for being identified as one of the beneficiary barangays of these programs.

“Maski unsa pa na ka gamay o kadako nga proyekto ang moabot sa amoa gikan sa gobyerno, basta gikinahanglan sa mga katawhan, dako na gyud kaayo na og kausaban sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga panginabuhian,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Bukidnon, particularly the Provincial Engineering Office, strengthened their coordination to complete the projects.

With these milestones, DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla reminded the beneficiaries to safeguard the turned-over projects so that future generations can still benefit from them.

“Karon itunol na namo kining kompleto nga proyekto ug kamo na ang gapanag-iya niini. Pasabot ani, naa na ang responsibilidad sa pag-amuma ani nga mga proyekto. Hinaot unta inyo ning ampingan arun molungtad pa ang proyekto sa dugay nga panahon,” Abadilla said.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gean Yvish Ladesma, 403rd Brigade Commander BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office representative LtCol. Silvestre B. Asiong Jr. and Municipal Vice Mayor Reynante V. Inocando came to grace the ceremony. (DILG-10/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

DILG turns over water supply system, other projects to Cabanglasan

Posted on by cmn

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over some P28.5 million worth of infrastructure projects in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, as part of the government’s Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU)

The project locations are in Barangays Canangaan, Mandahican, and Mandaing and involve four water supply systems, three health stations, and three farm-to-market roads.
The DILG explained that the barangay residents identified projects as top priorities during the conduct of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their respective localities.
DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla reminded the beneficiaries to safeguard the turned-over projects so that future generations can still benefit from them. (Chito Chavez/ Manila Bulletin)